EXCLUSIVE: If the half-shell hero Leonardo sounds a bit like Bad Grandpa in the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the half-pint sensei Splinter sounds like Monk, there’s good reason. Johnny Knoxville has just been added to voice the role of Leonardo, and Tony Shalhoub is voicing Splinter, the Yoda-like creature that teaches chop socky technique to the turtles. Now, Pete Ploszek played the role of Leonardo during the filming part, while Seinfeld‘s Danny Woodburn played Splinter. Insiders tell me they were always open to changing the voicing component of the Jonathan Liebesman-directed film that Paramount releases August 8, and those actors were only guaranteed to physically perform the roles in costume. But as it has proven with World War Z, G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Noah, Paramount also is a studio that isn’t reticent to adding ingredients to the souffle after it has risen, and right up to the point where it’s ready to be served.

I know right? I scratch my head every time someone says the trailer got a overall bad response from fans. I know there are a few people complaining but it’s been overwhelmingly a good response. I liked what I saw and I’m a life long TMNT fan.

dave • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

you are no turtle fan. this movie is blasphemy.

Max Maxwell • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

You’re obviously not a Turtle fan if you think that.

slone13 • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

This has nothing to do with response to the trailer. Leonardo and Splinter didn’t even have any dialogue in it. The voices were always considered temporary. They are one of the final things that needed to get done. The article should just state that the final voice casting has finally been done as they’ve just now decided what voices they want to use.

He’d be a horrible Michelangelo. He has a very gruff voice. He’d be a good Raphael if I was forced to make a decision but he shouldn’t be anywhere near the movie.

Courtland Brugger • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

Utterly horrible. Yeah, thanks Bay and Liebsman for crapping all over this beloved franchise. It’s almost like they’re trying to make this suck on purpose. Hopefully it flops and gets rebooted a few years later.

GC • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

Maybe there’s time to remove the grotesque nostrils & lips, too!

Anonymous • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

Not bad but Knoxville should voice Michelangelo and Josh Brolin voices
Shredder

Jason Dean • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

It’s not TMNT without the incomparable voice talent of Corey Feldman.

TigerClaw • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

I hope Tony Shalhoub can pull off doing a Japanese accent, In the 1990 film, Splinter was voiced by Kevin Clash and he was able to pull off the Japanese accent for Splinter in that movie.

fluffo • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

You guys act like this TMNT tripe is sacred. Who cares about voices? It’s not like Kevin Conroy and Batman.

Anonymous • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

Dude, who knows it could be good. It isn’t out for another 4 months, hold out hope. The trailer was all but a glimpse, not a full length feature.

Apyhtila • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

So people do know that they captured the facial movements of the actors who played the turtles for motion capture right? I don’t think they will scrap all that just to put Knoxville and the guy who played monk in last minute as voices. I smell some bs here…..

Avery Watkins • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

The way I see it, our generation enjoyed the Ninja Turtles that we grew up on. But that’s it right there it is NOT our generation anymore, we had our fun as kids bow let the next generation have there fun. STOP, complaining about what’s blasphemous and quit living in the past. Let the next gen have their fun and shut the hell up, I can’t wait to see what’s in store

The Guy • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

Is that right? Why did so many people like it? Numbers don’t lie but people who claim to be fans do. The way I see it is all the complaining is from a small group of Bay haters. The true fans are going to accept it as a new take but know it would look worse with a guy in a suit. I more horrified to see how they got away with the 90’s versions than this. Not mention they will finally use weapons again.

RedRocBoy • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

Exactlly. I agree, been a life long TMNT fan and I can’t wait for the movie. I love the designs and the new take, I do hope Splitner isn’t April’s dad but if he is oh well. It’s a different take on the mythology. Can’t wait for August 8th.

You sir are no turtle fan. Any honest turtle fan would be ecstatic just to see our boys on screen again. You don’t own them….you have no say

Dickie • on Apr 3, 2014 10:18 am

There is ZERO reason anyone should be up in arms about what is going on. First off it was a trailer that pretty much revealed nothing. You should just be pumped that a live action Turtles movie is coming soon after waiting 20 plus years. If you are a true fan you wouldn’t be nitpicking at every little thing you think is wrong with it and just get pumped they are back. In regards to Knoxville, just because he normally plays a “jackass” or comedic type character but remember he is an “actor” which means he doesn’t have to voice Leo like a goof which in the original movies Leo sometimes acts like a normal teenager and can be funny and goofy. I like the alien storyline and hope that Krangg, the technodrome and other parts from the original comic book and original series appear in upcoming sequels. Movies are supposed to evolve for the times and appeal to all audiences and I for one won’t judge this movie until I walk out of the theatre. COWABUNGA!